The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported monitoring 62 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea throughout April. This surveillance is part of ongoing efforts to secure the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
According to AFP spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, the vessels were tracked between April 1 and 30 at four significant locations: Panatag Shoal, Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Pag-asa Island.
Panatag Shoal had the highest concentration, with 24 Chinese vessels including nine from the People's Liberation Army Navy and 15 from the China Coast Guard. This area lies approximately 220 kilometers from Luzon and has been under Chinese control since a standoff in 2012.
Details of Chinese Vessel Presence
Ayungin Shoal observed 12 vessels, comprising two PLAN ships and ten CCG vessels, located 194 kilometers off Palawan. Escoda Shoal had 17 vessels, while Pag-asa Island had nine, including one PLAN ship and eight CCG vessels.
China asserts claims over nearly all of the South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea, despite a 2016 international ruling that dismissed its claims, affirming Manila's rights over the area.
Comprehensive Maritime Monitoring
In addition to monitoring Chinese vessels, the AFP reported tracking a total of 21,052 vessels in the country’s maritime regions during April. This included 3,528 domestic and 17,524 foreign vessels.
Of these, 14,343 vessels responded to radio challenges, while 6,709 did not. Trinidad emphasized that these monitoring efforts are crucial for maintaining maritime security and asserting the Philippines' rights.
The continued presence of Chinese vessels undermines the rules-based international order and affects our territorial integrity and sovereign rights.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad
Despite the persistent presence of Chinese vessels, the AFP remains committed to enhancing its maritime security operations and inter-agency coordination in the West Philippine Sea.